Augmented Footwear for Gripping and Holding in Micro-gravity Environments

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to human space flights to Earth orbit and beyond. It is designed for use in micro-gravity environments, to allow the wearer to make use of one or both feet as prehensile appendages. The invention enables the operator to use their feet for gripping, holding and manipulating. It achieves this by means of flexible footwear with molded extensions that protrude from under the toes and ball of the foot, creating additional leverage for the flexion and extension of the toes. The basic embodiment of the invention consists of six (6) main components. 1. A solid extrusion, positioned under the metatarsal bones of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface. 2. A second solid extrusion, positioned under the first phalange of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surface. 3. A third solid extrusion, positioned under the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges collectively, extending downward from their plantar surfaces. 4. A foot covering, encompassing the phalanges and metatarsus of the foot, and integrating the three extrusions. 5. A means for anchoring or securing the foot covering to the user&#39;s foot. 6. A means for allowing full flexion and hyperextension of the phalanges, and by extension, the extrusions positioned under the phalanges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT NotApplicable REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAMLISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern space travel, humans in micro-gravity environments arebecoming more commonplace, and this trend is forecasted to continue. Asof this writing, the International Space Station represents the pinnacleof space construction projects and has the largest interior living andworking space of any current spacecraft. The problems of living andworking in space, now and in the future, are the topics of books,research, government contracts and boardroom meetings.

Holding one's self in place while in micro-gravity, or “weightless,” isone such problem. A person cannot stand normally in the absence ofnormal gravity. On earlier space habitats, such as Mir and Skylab,astronauts and cosmonauts have used handrails to maneuver themselvesaround, and to anchor themselves in place. These rails are usually asimple metal bar attached to a wall. Handrails like this now line theinterior and exterior of the International Space Station (ISS).

The typical use of these rails is to grasp them with either hand, thenpush or pull with the arm to provide a means of locomotion. To remainstationary and make use of the hands, the astronauts commonly insert oneor both feet under a rail or strap. Using these rails or straps with thefeet, however, causes problems. Mark Shuttleworth, a wealthy SouthAfrican who spent some time on the ISS, wrote that the tops of his feetbecame bruised after repeatedly hooking them under straps and metalrungs. He also wrote that his solution would be to have special socksthat are thicker on top. Currently, photos indicate that some of therungs on the interior of the ISS are covered in thin foam padding, whichis secured in place with plastic cable ties as an attempt to reduce orremove stress and injury to the foot.

Another problem that is common to micro-gravity environments is thephysical behavior of objects when weightless. Unsecured objects willfloat away, and must be attached to something, or held in the hands.NASA ISS Science Officer Don Pettit proposed in a video blog that athree-axis gyroscopic spin stabilization device might be used to act asa “third hand,” to position a flashlight while the astronaut used bothhands to work, or to hold an object stationary and nearby whileotherwise using the hands.

BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There currently exist many types of specialized footwear for use inspecific activities, such as running or yoga. For running or joggingshoes, the plantar surface of the foot is covered by a flexibleprotective material that increases traction. In yoga, special socks canbe worn which include separate compartments for each toe as well as anon-slip surface on the bottom. The tabi sock design includes oneseparate compartment for the big toe, or hallux, enabling its freedom ofmotion.

In addition, previous patents have addressed the problem of holding aperson in place in micro-gravity. U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,173 discloses afoot restraint using specialized rails attached to the vehicle and shoeswith cleats to fit into the rails. U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,964 describes afoot restraint platform that is mounted to the end of a manipulator arm.U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,002 describes an astronaut's workstation, whichincludes a base with a foot rail designed to be used with a sliding footrestraint. All of these inventions are predicated on restraint of thefoot, and rigidly holding the person in place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is ergonomic footwear designed to be worn by a human in amicro-gravity environment, which will extend and augment the foot toallow active prehensile grasping, holding, and manipulating actions withthe toes, consisting principally of a foot covering, made of a flexiblematerial, designed to allow freedom of movement and full range of motionof all of the bones of the foot, and including as integrated componentsa separate compartment for the hallux phalange, solid extrusionsattached to the bottom of said foot covering, extending downward fromthe plantar surface of the foot, with one extrusion proximal to thehallux, such that the action of said toe is directly transferred to it,and a further extrusion proximal to the second, third, fourth and fifthphalanges, such that the action of said toes is directly transferred toit, and a further extrusion extending downward from the plantar surfaceof the foot, proximal to the metatarsals, or ball of the foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a medial aspect side view of the right foot and its componentbones.

FIG. 2 is a medial aspect side view of the right foot and its componentbones, displaying the normal range of motion for the phalanges (toes).

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the invention, showing the prehensilegripping action effected by the movement of the toes.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from in front of and above the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from in back of and below the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from below and in front of the invention,showing the operation of the invention using both feet, with respect toa cylindrical object.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a second alternate embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from below and in front of a thirdalternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above and in front of the invention,including as reference a human in micro-gravity conditions, showing theoperation of the invention using one foot, with respect to a cylindricalobject.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Human, Foot and Foot Bones:

-   10 x Human Foot-   25 x Talus-   30 x Calcaneus-   35 x Navicular-   40 x Cuboid-   45 x Cuneiforms-   50 x Metatarsal-   55 x Proximal Phalange of Hallux Toe-   60 x Distal Phalange of Hallux Toe-   55 y Proximal Phalange of Hallux Toe, Extended Position-   60 y Distal Phalange of Hallux Toe, Extended Position-   80 x Flexion Position of the Phalanges of the Foot-   80 y Extension Position of the Phalanges of the Foot-   100 x Human

Prior Art:

-   200 x Hand Grip Bar-   220 x Tabi Socks

Basic Configuration:

-   300 Soft Foot Cover-   320 Means for attaching Strap 340 to Soft Foot Cover 300-   340 Strap for securing Soft Foot Cover 300 to Human Foot 10 x-   360 Extruded Augmentation corresponding to the metatarsals-   370 Extruded Augmentation corresponding to the first phalange-   370 x Flexed positioning of Soft Foot Cover 300, and Extruded    Augmentations 360, 370 and 380-   370 y Extended positioning of Soft Foot Cover 300, and Extruded    Augmentations 360, 370 and 380-   380 Extruded Augmentation corresponding to the second, third, fourth    and fifth phalanges

Alternative Embodiments

-   300 d Soft Foot Cover with integrated means for securing to 10 x    Human Foot-   360 d Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the metatarsals-   370 d Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the first phalange-   380 d Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the first phalange-   360 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the metatarsals-   370 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the first phalange-   360 f Alternate Position for 360 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation-   370 f Alternate Position for 370 e Alternative Extruded Augmentation-   360 g Alternative Extruded Augmentation for the First Metatarsal

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the background information relating to the invention,FIGS. 1 and 2 disclose relevant human anatomical information, namely,the general shape and position of 10 x Human Foot and its component footbones as viewed from the medial aspect. The range of motion disclosed inFIG. 2 represents normal full flexion and extension of the fivephalanges. Not shown in these two views are the other four sets ofmetatarsals and phalangeal bones, since they lie principally behind thebones along the median edge.

Referring now to the detailed description of the invention, in FIGS. 3-7there is shown Soft Foot Cover 300, a foot covering; Strap 340 forsecuring Soft Foot Cover 300 to Human Foot 10 x; Means 320 for attachingStrap 340 to Soft Foot Cover 300; Extruded Augmentation 360corresponding to the metatarsals; Extruded Augmentation 370corresponding to the first phalange; and Extruded Augmentation 380corresponding to the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the invention worn on the foot as viewed fromthe medial aspect, showing Extruded Augmentation 360 positioned belowthe ball of the foot and Extruded Augmentation 370 positioned below thebig toe. The extrusions are directly attached to Soft Foot Cover 300.Not shown in this Fig. is Extruded Augmentation 380, since it liesprincipally behind Extruded Augmentation 370 in this view. The Soft FootCover 300 is optimally made of fabric, foam or molded silicon, or anymaterial that allows full range of motion for the toes and ankle.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the invention's flexible range of motion asviewed from the medial aspect, showing 360 Extruded Augmentationpositioned below the ball of the foot and 370 Extruded Augmentationpositioned below the big toe. Extension and flexion of the toes resultsin the gripping action of the extrusions, where Extruded Augmentation360 acts like an opposing thumb, providing the surface against which thepressure of Extruded Augmentation 370 and Extruded Augmentation 380 canbe applied.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the invention, showing ExtrudedAugmentation 360 positioned below the ball of the foot, ExtrudedAugmentation 370 positioned below the big toe, and Extruded Augmentation380 positioned below the second, third, fourth and fifth toescollectively.

Continuing to reference FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the Soft Foot Cover 300 isattached to Human Foot 10 x with Strap 340 across the Achilles' tendon,which is adjustably attached to Soft Foot Cover 300 using a means forattachment 320, such as a snap, button or clasp. The Soft Foot Cover 300includes a separate compartment for the big toe, allowing it to moveseparately from the other toes. The three Extruded Augmentations 360,370 and 380 are comprised of a material which is firmer that the FootCover 300, allowing pressure to be applied to them without collapsingthem, such as rigid plastic or vinyl.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the bottom left of the invention,showing the operation of the invention with both feet being used tograsp a cylindrical hand rail. To hold an object, the user first extendsthe toes, opening the grip of the footwear. The user then places his orher feet so that the extrusions are on either side of the object, andthen flexes the toes to close the grip. The user can vary the pressureas needed and can let go simply by extending the toes again.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention wornon the foot as viewed from the medial aspect, showing Alternate ExtrudedAugmentation 360 d positioned below the ball of the foot, AlternateExtruded Augmentation 370 d positioned below the big toe, and AlternateExtruded Augmentation 380 d positioned below the second, third, fourthand fifth toes collectively. The extrusions are directly attached toAlternate Soft Foot Covering 300 d, which encompasses the heel and ankleof the wearer's foot as a means for securing and wearing it. Theextrusions in this embodiment are angled forward, differently shaped andenlarged, compared to the standard embodiment, allowing the user toposition their ankle in a more extended and relaxed pose during use.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention wornon the foot as viewed from the medial aspect, showing Alternate ExtrudedAugmentation 360 e positioned below the ball of the foot, and AlternateExtruded Augmentation 370 e positioned below the big toe. Not shown inthis Fig. is Extruded Augmentation 380 e, since it lies principallybehind Extruded Augmentation 370 e in this view. The extrusions areremovable and attached to Soft Foot Cover 300. Alternate ExtrudedAugmentation 360 f is the alternate position of Alternate ExtrudedAugmentation 360 e, attached above the ball of the foot, while AlternateExtruded Augmentation 370 f is the alternate position of AlternateExtruded Augmentation 370 e, repositioned above the big toe. Theprehensile operation of the device is the same, except that flexing thetoes will expand the grip of the extrusions, while extension of the toeswill contract the extrusions. Parts 300, 320 and 340 remain essentiallyunchanged in this variant.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from the bottom left of an alternateembodiment of the invention, showing Alternate Extruded Augmentation 360g positioned principally below the first metatarsal, and ExtrudedAugmentation 370 positioned below the big toe. This embodiment eschewsthe separate compartment for the big toe and the small toes'augmentation, leaving the big toe as the only grip effector.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the top right of the invention,showing the operation of the invention with the right foot being used tograsp a hand rail, including as reference Human 100 x in micro-gravityconditions.

Description and Operation of Alternative Embodiments

An alternate embodiment of the invention is described as follows; theextruded augmentation, as described, is integrated into the structure ofa complete foot covering, including the heel, and/or ankle, and/or lowerleg, such as a crew-length sock or a shoe.

An alternate embodiment of the invention is described as follows; theextruded augmentation includes a means for repositioning, so that it canbe repositioned above the foot.

An alternate embodiment of the invention is described as follows; theextruded phalangeal augmentation and foot covering include a means forremoving and re-attaching the extrusions, so that they can berepositioned above the foot.

A further alternative embodiment would be to have the extrusions, asdescribed, textured to improve grip friction.

A further alternative embodiment would be to have the extrusions detachand be replaced by alternative extrusions designed for a specificobject, class of objects, or function.

A further alternative embodiment would be to have the augmentation, asdescribed, integrated into the structure of a foot covering in anExtra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) suit.

A further alternative embodiment would be to have the augmentation, asdescribed, used in a naturally buoyant environment, such as underwater.

Objects and Advantages

The main object and advantage of this invention is to enable prehensilegrasping, holding, and manipulating actions with the feet inmicro-gravity.

A further objective and advantage of this invention is that, by bringingthe feet and legs into greater use during space flights, they areexercised and kept active, and this will result in improved fitness.

A further objective and advantage of this invention is freeing the handsto carry and manipulate objects while the feet are used for locomotion.

A further objective and advantage of this invention is enabling the feetto carry and manipulate objects while the hands are used for locomotion.

A further objective and advantage of this invention is to increasecomfort and efficiency for space travelers and workers in Earth orbitand beyond.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF INVENTION

The benefits of the disclosed invention, which began with considerationof an existing ergonomic and health problem in space travelers, include,without limitation, reduced foot discomfort and injury, the ability touse one or both feet as substitute hands, and improved health, safetyand efficiency. This disclosure represents an example of the footwearaugmentation, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.Variations in extrusion shape, texture, materials, decoration, or themeans for wearing the invention may be made to the design or itsalternative embodiments without altering its basic prehensile function.While the preceding written description of the invention does enable aperson of ordinary skill to make and use any of the embodimentsdisclosed, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate theexistence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specificembodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should thereforenot be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples,but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of theinvention.

1. Augmented footwear enabling improved prehensile grasping andmanipulation of objects with the feet, comprising in combination: a footcovering, encompassing at least the phalanges and metatarsus of thehuman foot, and including as integrated and connected elements; aseparate individual compartment for the first phalange of the foot,allowing full abduction, adduction, flexion and hyperextension of thephalange; a separate individual compartment for the four small phalangesof the foot, allowing full abduction, adduction, flexion andhyperextension of the phalanges; a means for anchoring or securing thefootwear to the user's foot; a solid extrusion, positioned under themetatarsal bones of the foot, extending downward from the plantarsurface of the foot; a second solid extrusion, positioned under thefirst phalange of the foot, extending downward from the plantar surfaceof the foot, attached so that the range of motion of the first phalangeis directly transferred to it; and, a third solid extrusion, positionedunder the four small phalanges collectively, extending downward from theplantar surface of the foot, attached so that the range of motion of thephalanges is directly transferred to it.
 2. The augmented footwear ofclaim 1, wherein the material covering encompasses the heel, anklesand/or lower leg, either as a replacement for, or not interfering with,the means for anchoring or securing the footwear to the user's foot. 3.The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the phalangeal and metatarsalextrusions can be repositioned to the dorsal side of the foot.
 4. Theaugmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the metatarsal extrusion isprincipally positioned under the first metatarsal bone of the foot. 5.The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the phalangeal and metatarsalextrusions can be detached and replaced with a different extrusion. 6.The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the extrusion(s) are shapedto grasp or hold a specific object, or class of objects.
 7. Theaugmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the extrusion(s) are surfacedwith a texture or material to augment their gripping function.
 8. Theaugmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear is surfaced with adecorative texture or material.
 9. The augmented footwear of claim 1,wherein the foot covering does not cover the toes.
 10. The augmentedfootwear of claim 1, wherein: there is no extrusion(s) corresponding tothe metatarsus and no extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smallertoes, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux as themeans for enabling prehensile manipulation; OR, wherein there is noextrusion corresponding to the metatarsus and no extrusion correspondingto the hallux, leaving only the extrusion(s) corresponding to the foursmaller toes as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation; OR,wherein there is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux and noextrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes, leaving only theextrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus as the means for enablingprehensile manipulation.
 11. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein:there is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus, leaving onlythe extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes and theextrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux as the means for enablingprehensile manipulation; OR, wherein there is no extrusion(s)corresponding to the hallux, leaving only the extrusion(s) correspondingto the metatarsus and the extrusion corresponding to the four smallertoes as the means for enabling prehensile manipulation; OR, whereinthere is no extrusion(s) corresponding to the four smaller toes, leavingonly the extrusion(s) corresponding to the metatarsus and theextrusion(s) corresponding to the hallux as the means for enablingprehensile manipulation.
 12. The augmented footwear of claim 1, whereinthere are said prehensile augmentation extrusions corresponding to oneor more toes individually, or in group(s) of two, three, four, or five.13. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein there are extrusionspositioned on the anterior and/or posterior side of the foot as a meansof said prehensile function.
 14. The augmented footwear of claim 1,wherein there is an alternate means of attaching the foot covering tothe foot.
 15. The augmented footwear of claim 1, wherein the inventionis integrated into the design of an Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) suit.